WASHINGTON, Sept. 16 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. State Department on Tuesday urged American citizens to reconsider travel to Saudi Arabia, citing heightened security risks amid Iranian drone and missile attacks.
A travel advisory issued by the department warned of the "risk of Iranian drone and missile targeting of American interests, armed conflict, terrorism, exit bans and local laws regarding social media activity."
"Following the onset of hostilities between the United States and Iran on February 28, 2026, there has been an ongoing threat of drone and missile attacks from Iran," it said.
The advisory came after Riyadh issued alerts in Mecca and other areas amid alleged Houthi attacks.
Riyadh said it intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone south of Mecca on Tuesday evening before it entered the prohibited airspace of the holy city. The Houthis later denied the allegation.
The Houthis "have threatened to attack Saudi Arabia again," the advisory said, adding that falling debris from intercepted drones and missiles is also a risk.
"U.S. citizens living and working near energy infrastructure and military bases may be at increased risk, especially closer to the border with Yemen," it said, designating the Yemen border region as Level 4 "Do not travel," the highest advisory level due to "life-threatening risks." ■